I purchased this Moro in March, and re-potted in April.
Despite some chilly weather and a series of pest attacks, the Blood Orange is thriving.

However, one branch is extending dramatically off to one side. I've read here that citrus
must grow a certain number of nodes before they flower. Whether true or not, I'm thinking
that this branch needs to be reduced for balance's sake...and also to fit under cover
for this Wintering!

Blood Orange:

The Good:

The Bad:

And the lovely:

Josh

The node count is necessary for fruits, but as I recall in previous threads, you got your tree from Four Winds, which means it is a grafted tree, thus likely already is at the required node count to fruit, when it is ready.

One thing that a branch will do is allow the trunk to develop and become thicker. You could wait until you are ready to fit under cover and then only cut back what you need. Once your tree has developed some more (couple of years from now) you can lop off the branch.

Ah, that's great to know about the node count!
So it's seed-grown plants to which the node count applies! Very comforting.

You're correct, this is a Four Winds' grafted Blood Orange.

I'll post pics when I prune the branch, which will be within a day or two.
I don't typically do much pruning during the winter/wet season.

Josh

What he said is so accurate.....It will already produce fruit and flower abundantly!

But I myself would cut that extending one now for my taste, because it will flush with new growth again as soon as you think...It is all about appearance, and you know what you want that tree to look like. That is what is fun about these trees, you can basically shape them any way you want.
I have a ponderosa that I am constantly cutting back down to the trunk, to keep the trunk fat, almost a bonsai, that is still putting out fruit and flower.. Here is a a couple of pics..:-)

Well, I left my card reader at work..maybe next time..:-0)

Mike

As for my tree...well, I decided to cut the branch this evening...couldn't resist... ;)

Sorry for the bad pictures. Sun was dropping behind the house.

Josh

As far as pruning, I have read on other sites icluding fourwinds that citrus respond well to pruning and is actually good for them. That uncle of mine in Italy prunes his potted monsters all the time.

Re: Mix
I am using Bark, Pumice, and Perlite, with Osmocote 4-month release and Foliage Pro every few weeks.
I am watering very frequently with the temps near 100°F ...everything just drains/dries so quickly.

When I pruned the branch above, there was the most wonderful citrus smell released from the cut!

Josh

Have a great day!

Mike

Josh

Hi Zecowsay. They never go through any kind of shock for me. There is no recovery period. Just a hair cut, and then new growth when it is time..It depends on whether you cut it just before a flush of new growth by luck, or just after, then you have to wait for new growth longer or anywhere in between.

I cut mine back in the spring, and it was only a couple of weeks before new growth appeared. For some, I had to wait all summer for it..

All my trees grow fruit and flowers anytime of the year, whether trimmed or not..

Mike..:-)

The more you trim your trees, the less fruit and flowers you will get.

Sometimes one has to decide between the shape you want to grow your trees into, or just let them grow wild, hope they grow big fast. The bigger the plant equals more fruit and flowers..

Mike

Hope this explains a little bit and helps you out.

Have a great night.

Mike